What material is typically used in gonadal and glove shielding for radiation protection?

Lead is commonly used in gonadal and glove shielding for radiation protection due to its high density and effectiveness at attenuating ionizing radiation. When used in medical and industrial radiation environments, lead effectively reduces exposure to radiation, specifically in sensitive areas such as the gonads where reproductive tissues are more vulnerable to the detrimental effects of radiation.

The effectiveness of lead as a shielding material is largely due to its atomic composition, which allows it to absorb and scatter radiation effectively. This property makes it an excellent choice for shielding that needs to be portable and also for use in protective garments like aprons and gloves, which are necessary in environments where radiation exposure is a concern.

Additionally, while other materials like aluminum, plastic, and steel have their own uses in radiation applications, they do not provide the same level of protection against high-energy radiation. Aluminum is lighter and may be used for certain applications but lacks the density required to effectively shield against more penetrating radiation. Plastic can be utilized in some low-energy applications, while steel, although strong, does not provide the same attenuation as lead for high-energy radiation.